China's power is lecture topic

Posted March 5, 2008; 01:11 p.m.

by Staff

Political scientist and former U.S. State Department official Susan Shirk will deliver a lecture based on her book "China: Fragile Superpower" at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.

In the book, Shirk examines the paradox faced by China's leaders, arguing that as the country's economy is booming, its leaders increasingly feel insecure and threatened.

Shirk is a professor of political science at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California-San Diego. From 1997 to 2000, she served as deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, with responsibility for China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia.

Shirk's other books include "How China Opened Its Door: The Political Success of the PRC's Foreign Trade and Investment Reforms," "The Political Logic of Economic Reform in China" and "Competitive Comrades: Career Incentives and Student Strategies in China."